They may not be saving princesses and defeating enemies like the Mario and Luigi brothers do, but two area siblings are finding their own unique way to team up under a like-minded name.
Several weeks ago, Will and Matt Jenkins opened the doors to Super Sandwich Bros, a hearty and healthy sandwich shop located next to the Garden River Quick Stop and gas bar along Highway 17B.
Originally from Newfoundland and Labrador, the brothers sensed there was an opportunity to share their talents and love for cooking by offering residents their take on a standalone soup and sandwich joint.
“My brother and I have always been involved in the food industry, so it’s great we have the chance to do this,” Will said. “Being from out east, we’d do the kitchen parties where everyone brings their own food. It’s a big culture.”
“It’s really special working for yourself and having a say in what food you get to make,” Matt added. “We each bring something different to the team.”
Each week, the Super Sandwich Bros team will choose a new special to feature before purchasing locally sourced ingredients and creating items from scratch in their kitchen space.
Those ingredients are typically purchased the day of, while sauces like chimichurri and pesto are made in-house. The team is even hoping to begin making their own homemade bread by this time next month.
Whether it’s Steak and Swiss, Chicken and Mozzarella, or a variety of wraps and soups, Super Sandwich Bros has felt a huge sense of pride knowing they’re filling people’s bellies, many of whom will stop in for a quick pick-up before heading out on the road for camping, fishing and other travel.
“Everyone’s eating all this bad food all the time and food costs are going up, so we’re trying to provide something that’s fresher — especially when you’re on the go,” Will explained. “I’d rather make less money and have better ingredients.”
For now, the team is starting out with a small menu while just doing takeout on Thursdays and Fridays as they have several businesses on the go.
Between the brothers and Will’s partner Nangoons Wabegijig, the trio is now operating three small companies on-site, including Ojibway Natural and Little Green Garden dispensary.
“COVID was really bad for a lot of people, but it actually boosted our online sales at Ojibway Natural,” Will said. “That kind of set the stage for us to be able to run this sandwich business. I would have never thought this would be possible.”
The name of the soup and sandwich joint can be credited to Wabegijig after she realized the company’s branding had to involve the brothers one way or another.
But it was her 16-year-old sister Molly who designed the logo, which pays homage to the popular Nintendo game Super Mario.
“She did a really great job on it,” Wabegijig said. “She’s actually in art school. The name honestly kind of just popped into my head.”
“I’m probably Mario and Matt is Luigi,” Will laughed. “I’ve got the belly for it.”
Eventually, Super Sandwich Bros would like to expand their space and menu, while outdoor dining could be in the works as soon as this summer.
They’re also looking forward to making their vendor show debut in Leeburn, Ont. next week.
“This has all been very exciting, we’re really looking forward to serving more people,” Matt said. “It’s a much better option than the pre-packaged sandwiches you buy at convenience stores.”
As they continue to get established, Super Sandwich Bros will be offering free delivery into Sault Ste. Marie between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., as well as Garden River between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for orders that come in before noon on Thursdays and Fridays.
Readers interested in ordering can call or text 705-254-8583, or a message can be sent to their Facebook page.
